A Bound Brook fire truck takes part in a recent parade in the borough. The borough's former fire inspector, who continues to serve as a firefighter, has pleaded guilty to theft and witness tampering.Star-Ledger file photo

BOUND BROOK — The borough's former fire inspector, who quietly resigned last spring amid allegations of theft, has pleaded guilty to theft and witness tampering.

Thomas J. Ruscetta entered the plea earlier this month, according to court records. He has agreed to pay restitution of $4,280 to Bound Brook and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 10.

Ruscetta, 52, remains a member of the Bound Brook fire department, deputy chief David Lukac said. In addition to fire marshall, Ruscetta, a life-long borough resident, formerly held the post of borough code enforcement/housing officer and property maintenance officer.

Ruscetta was accused of holding onto the fees and penalties residents paid — money that was meant for the borough — from March 16, 2012 through Feb. 5 of this year. He was charged with third-degree theft by failure to make required disposition of property received.

He was also accused of tampering with a witness, for asking the witness deny an envelope of cash existed, and for asking the witness to shred a receipt book that revealed the theft. He was charged with tampering with a witness in the third degree.